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Treatment of childhood asthma: weighing available modalities
F.V. Kirvassilis, I.N. Tsanakas
Paediatric Pulmonary Medicine Unit, 3rd Paediatric Medical Department, Hippokrateio Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
SUMMARY: New treatment modalities have emerged since the introduction of inhaled drugs for the treatment of childhood asthma. Theophylline preparations are practically no longer used for asthma exacerbations, as inhaled â2-agonists and ipratropium bromide are sufficient for bronchospasm relief. Many long-term studies have established the effectiveness and safety of inhaled steroids, which henceforth replaced sodium chromoglycate, a widely used prophylactic drug. Leukotriene receptor antagonists and long acting â2-agonists are appropriate add-on treatment for those children not responding to steroid monotherapy. Patient compliance, as well as inhalation technique should always be checked before stepping up to more intensive treatment. Pneumon 2004, 17(3):258-264.
Key words: Childhood asthma, inhaled steroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, long-acting â2-agonists.
Correspondence: F.V. Kirvassilis, 3rd University Paediatric Department, Aristotle Thessaloniki University, Thessaloniki Hippokrateio Hospital.
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